By Safra Liyana Sukiman & Dr Nurizah Md Ngadiran

Malaysian sports have long been a beacon of national pride, with athletes achieving remarkable feats on the global stage, earning medals, and waving the Jalur Gemilang high. These triumphs have united the nation, providing moments of joy and collective celebration.

However, the advent of social media has shown a darker side to fandom – cyberbullying. This insidious problem, in which individuals use digital platforms to harass, demean or threaten others, has increasingly targeted athletes, tarnishing the very essence of sportsmanship. Two of Malaysia's finest athletes, badminton player Lee Zii Jia and cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, have been at the centre of this controversy, underscoring the urgent need for a concerted effort to tackle cyberbullying in sports.

The Plight of Lee Zii Jia

The young badminton prodigy from Malaysia, Lee Zii Jia, has experienced both the highs and lows of celebrity. He is now well known for his remarkable accomplishments. He has also become the third Malaysian shuttler to win an Olympic medal in men’s singles, after Datuk Rashid Sidek and Datuk Lee Chong Wei. However, despite his achievements, he has become the target of online criticism, particularly when his performances do not meet public expectations.

One of the most pivotal moments in Lee's career was his decision to part ways with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and pursue an independent path. Many of his followers sympathised with his decision and understood his motivations, but some viciously criticised him on social media. He was subjected to allegations of treachery and self-centeredness, leading some to doubt his patriotism to the country that had nurtured his talent. The deluge of unfavourable sentiments that ensued had a detrimental impact on his psychological state and general welfare. The psychological strain of such persistent cyberbullying cannot be understated, despite his tenacity on the court.

Azizulhasni Awang: A victim of unrealistic expectations

The ‘Pocket Rocketman’ of Malaysia, Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, is another athlete who has felt the pain of cyberbullying. Azizulhasni, one of the most accomplished cyclists in the nation, has proven to be a reliable competitor, winning medals in major international tournaments and the Olympics. Yet, even these remarkable feats were not enough to shield him from the harsh reality of online harassment.

Following the incident in the Paris 2024 Olympics, Azizulhasni received criticism from some supporters who believed he should have clinched the gold. Social media was flooded with comments criticising his performance and doubting his effort. Such behaviour is not only disheartening, but also indicative of the unfair expectations placed on athletes who bear the immense burden of representing the country on the world stage.

The impact of cyberbullying on athletes

The incidents involving Zii Jia and Azizulhasni shed light on the profound impact that cyberbullying can have on athletes. Unlike traditional forms of harassment, cyberbullying is pervasive and unrelenting. The digital nature of the abuse means it may follow athletes wherever they go, infiltrating their personal lives, undermining their mental health and affecting their performance.

For athletes who are already under immense pressure to perform, coping with online harassment can be daunting. The constant assault of negative remarks can lead to anxiety, despair and even burnout. It can damage an athlete's confidence and negatively impact their performance, producing a vicious cycle where poor performance begets more cyberbullying, which in turn further diminishes their ability to perform.

Moreover, the ripple effects of cyberbullying extend beyond the athletes themselves. It affects their families, friends and support networks, who frequently witness violence and feel powerless to intervene. Cyberbullying can have far-reaching consequences, creating a toxic environment that deters aspiring athletes from pursuing their dreams.

A call for change

Addressing cyberbullying in Malaysian sports requires a comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders, including the government, sports groups, digital corporations, and the public. Here are some essential tactics that can help to combat this issue effectively:

1. Strengthening legal protections

To tackle cyberbullying, enhancing legal safeguards for victims of cyberbullying is crucial. Malaysia has legislation that can be used to penalise individuals who engage in online harassment, such as the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. It could be necessary to amend the existing rules to specifically address the unique challenges posed by cyberbullying in sports.

The government may consider introducing new legislation or amending current legislation to define cyberbullying more precisely and impose harsher penalties on violators. Additionally, law enforcement agencies should be equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of cyberbullying. We can make it evident that cyberbullies will not be allowed by establishing a legal framework to hold cyberbullies accountable.

2. Promoting digital literacy and online etiquette

Education plays a vital role in preventing cyberbullying. By promoting digital literacy and online etiquette, we can empower individuals, especially the younger generation, to use social media responsibly and respectfully. Digital literacy initiatives that teach students about the harmful effects of cyberbullying, the importance of empathy, and how to interact constructively online should be implemented into schools and sports groups.

Public awareness efforts can also help to shift the narrative around cyberbullying by urging fans to support their favourite athletes rather than tear them down. These efforts should include notable athletes such as Zii Jia and Azizulhasni, who can share their stories and fight for a more positive and supportive online environment.

3. Providing support systems for athletes

Athletes who are subjected to cyberbullying must have access to strong support systems that offer emotional, psychological and legal assistance. Sports organisations should provide mental health resources, such as counselling and support groups, to help athletes cope with the negative effects of cyberbullying. Athletes should also receive training on setting boundaries, managing their online persona, and reporting instances of cyberbullying.

An athlete's resilience to the stresses of cyberbullying can be greatly impacted by the presence of a robust support network. We can support athletes in concentrating on their performance and proudly representing Malaysia by making sure they have the tools necessary to safeguard their mental health.

A strong support network can make a significant difference in an athlete's ability to withstand the pressures of cyberbullying. By ensuring that athletes have the necessary tools to safeguard their mental well-being, we can help them concentrate on their performance and continue to represent Malaysia with pride.

4. Engaging technology companies in the fight against cyberbullying

Social media platforms play a pivotal role in combating cyberbullying. These companies should collaborate closely with sports organisations and authorities to develop effective strategies for preventing and responding to online abuse. This might include improving reporting mechanisms, utilising artificial intelligence to detect and remove harmful content, and providing users with tools to regulate their online interactions.

Social media companies should also be transparent about their policies and practices regarding cyberbullying. By taking a proactive stance and demonstrating a commitment to create a safe online environment, these companies can help reduce the prevalence of cyberbullying in sports.

5. Fostering a positive fandom culture

Finally, fostering a positive fandom culture is essential in the fight against cyberbullying. Instead of resorting to personal attacks, fans should be encouraged to celebrate athletes' achievements and provide constructive comments. Sports organizations and fan clubs can play a key role in promoting this culture by organising events, talks, and campaigns that emphasise the value of respect and sportsmanship.

Athletes like Zii Jia and Azizulhasni should be regarded as role models, not just for their athletic accomplishments, but also for how they handle the pressures of public life. By cultivating a culture of positivity and support, we can ensure that athletes feel loved and valued, both online and offline.

The situations involving Zii Jia and Azizulhasni have highlighted the pressing need to address cyberbullying in Malaysian sports. It is not merely an issue of personal harassment; it is a societal problem that affects the mental health and well-being of athletes, as well as their families and communities. We can take a stand against cyberbullying by implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes strengthening legal protections, promoting digital literacy, offering support systems, engaging with technology companies and cultivating a healthy fandom culture.

As Malaysians, we have a responsibility to support our athletes and foster an atmosphere where they can thrive. Let us join forces to say, "Game on, bully off”, and strive toward a future in which sports are valued for the joy, unity and pride they offer to our country, free of the scourge of cyberbullying.

-- BERNAMA

Safra Liyana Sukiman is with the Centre for Language Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) & Dr Nurizah Md Ngadiran is with Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).